A British couple on their honeymoon and a Greek pilot have died after a private helicopter crashed on the Greek island of Sifnos on Monday, authorities have confirmed.
The victims were identified as newlyweds Alexander Cromie and Marie Ebert, who had travelled to Greece for their honeymoon.
Their aircraft came down only a few metres from a designated landing area, killing all three occupants.
Reports by Kathimerini said the couple had boarded the helicopter in Markopoulo, a village near Athens, for the journey to Sifnos, a well-known tourist destination.
Greece’s aviation safety authority has launched an investigation into the incident.
Investigators are expected to arrive at the crash site on Tuesday to collect evidence and interview witnesses.
A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office said officials were supporting the victims’ relatives and maintaining contact with Greek authorities.
Cromie’s employer, global investment company Blackstone, expressed grief over the deaths, describing him as a highly valued colleague and extending condolences to his family and friends.
According to a senior Greek police officer quoted by The Times, the accident happened shortly before the helicopter was due to touch down at about 6:15pm local time.
Sifnos Deputy Mayor Manolis Foundoulakis said he reached the location shortly after the crash and found that the aircraft had been almost completely destroyed.
Residents reportedly heard an unusual sound from the helicopter as it approached the landing site before watching it plunge close to nearby houses.
Mr Foundoulakis said rescuers recovered two bodies from the wreckage, while another victim was located a short distance from the aircraft.
Emergency crews also battled a fire that erupted following the impact.
The blaze was brought under control later that evening as authorities began securing the area for the investigation.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong